The Plot of the Movie
The movie is about a young and talented Navy pilot, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, who is sent to the Top Gun Naval Flying School to train with the best pilots in the world. Maverick’s reckless and aggressive flying style clashes with the strict rules and regulations of the school, but he soon proves himself to be one of the best pilots in the class.
While at the school, Maverick falls in love with his civilian instructor, Charlie Blackwood, played by Kelly McGillis. Their relationship is complicated by Maverick’s dedication to his flying, and by his rivalry with another pilot, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, played by Val Kilmer.
The Making of the Movie
The movie was directed by Tony Scott and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It was released in 1986 and quickly became a box office success, grossing over $350 million worldwide.
Tom Cruise, who was already a rising star at the time, trained extensively for his role as a Navy pilot. He spent months learning how to fly fighter jets and performing aerobatic stunts. The movie also featured a number of real-life Navy pilots as extras and technical advisors.
The Cultural Impact of the Movie
Top Gun became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, popularizing the image of the “fighter pilot” and inspiring a generation of young men to enlist in the military. The movie’s soundtrack, which featured songs like “Danger Zone” and “Take My Breath Away,” also became a hit and helped to solidify the movie’s place in popular culture.
The movie’s impact can still be felt today, with a sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, set to be released in 2021. The sequel will once again star Tom Cruise as Maverick, who is now a flight instructor at the Top Gun school.
The Legacy of the Movie
Top Gun is widely regarded as one of the greatest action movies of all time, and has had a lasting impact on the film industry. The movie’s success helped to establish Jerry Bruckheimer as one of the most successful producers in Hollywood, and it paved the way for other action movies like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon.
The movie’s influence can also be seen in popular culture, with references to the movie appearing in everything from TV shows to video games. Top Gun remains a beloved classic, and its impact on the film industry and popular culture will continue to be felt for years to come.
